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Featured Bars and Clubs

The Forum, one of the few lounges in Union Square territory, brings peace during the weekdays and boisterous partying on the weekends. Saturdays, for example, require plus-sized bouncers to monitor the swarms of cocktail-craving, dancing citizens.

If the hockey jerseys lining the walls at Company Bar don't draw you in, the great food and unpretentious atmosphere surely will. Stop by any night of the week for a refreshing round of hot wings and cold drinks.

http://www.internationalbarnyc.com At International Bar, there is always one smooth, lovable guy waiting to meet you: Evan Williams, a gets-the-job-done bourbon that's part of the bar's $4 shot-and-beer deal. Regulars covet this aspect of the bar, while locals mourn for the International Bar of yore (which closed in 2002). Though it has added sinks to the bathroom since reopening, the tiny spot remains true to its dive-bar roots with a dark interior that discourages easy navigation. As if you were viewing the room through whiskey goggles, you can only see the bar, the people in your immediate vicinity, and the glowing jukebox. No matter, though: That's all you really need. Read more about International Bar >>

http://www.ionabrooklyn.com The old-timey look of Iona is reminiscent of dime stores, penny candy, milk shakes. It was once a malt shop, but the cheerful faces staring out from the windows seats as you walk in are aglow from a different kind of malted-based beverageabeer! This true Irish pub has an excellent selection of Irish, Scottish, and Belgian beers with over 20 on tap such as Guinness, Hoegaarden, and Belhavenas Scottish Ale for $5. To authenticate the classic Celtic feel, thereas often lots of friendly Shamrockian transplants to talk to. Plus, itas one of the best beer gardens in the aburg, complete with ping-pong tables and evening movies. Read more about Iona >>

Serving Forest Hills since the a60s, the McNulty family offers a horseshoe-shaped bar in one room lined with photos and paraphernalia (a sign pointing to Donegal Street) and an intimate dining room of bright booths, paintings of rolling hills, a cottage table, and a fireplace. Pricier than the rest of Queens ($5 for a pint of Guinness, $10.95 for shepherdas pie, and $13.95 for fish and chips), the Cottage is for friendly socializing, no ruffians please. Read more about Irish Cottage >>

Vile puns aside (encouraged by the logo of a girl's face, rather than the eponymous tapered boat), the Punt is a Hibernian bar that offers better-than-average bar food in a neighborhood where eating well requires research. The vegetable-laden New England clam chowder makes an excellent starter, but for the main course, stick with the more obvious stuff like shepherd's pie and fish 'n' chips. Our fave on an exploratory visit was the Irish Punt burger; a half-pound of charred Angus beef topped with fried onions, mushrooms, two rashers of crisp bacon, and cheddar cheese that didn't overwhelm everything else. Open till midnight weekdays. Read more about The Irish Punt >>

A bastion of neither good taste nor bad, like the friend forever wearing that once-washed hoodie, the Rover doesnat so much attract a crowd as expect one, which is some measure of integrity. The atmosphere is contemporary saloon (octagonal wood/tiled tables, linoleum flooring)afree from the identity mongering of, say, a McSorleyas or alternatively, the self-gratified air of shamrock singles scenes. The pints are cheap enough at $4.50 import and $3.50 domestic; 12 on tap include Guinness, Harp, and Smithwickas. Read more about Irish Rover >>

http://www.ironmonkey.com This favorite watering hole is a bit pricey for Jersey City, but the rooftop deck, with excellent views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, makes it worthwhile. The dark wooden downstairs evokes a pub feel, while the second-floor lounge and art-gallery space has a classier vibe. The after-work crew can order dishes like jerk chicken satay and crab fennel wontons Tuesday through Saturday. Read more about Iron Monkey >>